Islington's Liberal Democrat council leader has pledged his support for local pubs when he joined members of the 'Campaign for Real Ale' at Islington's Lord Clyde Pub last week to celebrate the launch of the 2010 Good Beer Guide.

The national independent guide features a number of Islington's real ale community pubs and helps promote traditional boozers - many of which are struggling in the current economic climate.

At the launch, Islington's council leader talked to CAMRA members about the action the council is taking to support local pubs, shops and services.

Liberal Democrat council leader Terry Stacy said: "I was born and brought up in an East End pub. So you won't get anyone more passionate than me about defending and supporting our local pubs. They're the soul of the community in many places and it's devastating to see so many great traditional pubs closing down.

"It's obvious that the ready supply of cheap alcohol on sale in shops and supermarkets has an effect on local pubs and the local community. That's why we want to introduce the power to declare areas of Islington 'saturated' with off licenses so we don't have to allow any more.

"For me, it's the independent character of each little part of Islington that makes our borough so special. We need to look at how planning applications can take account of that 'character' when making decisions and how new laws can help us do this."

CAMRA North London Chairman, John Cryne added: "It was good of Terry to join us and hear his commitment to saving community pubs. Since 1995, Islington has lost 33% of its pubs robbing local residents of a vital amenity. We look forward to working with Terry to prevent further losses and save the fantastic pubs that are still around."